The Family Intervention Program (FIP) provides in-home services to families in Kent County referred from Child Protective Services for assessment, counseling, education, advocacy and concrete assistance in maintaining a healthy family system.  

The Family Intervention Program is designed to identify risk factors and family needs, and work on improving these concerns through social, academic, recreational, therapeutic and other enrichment activities for the referred teen and their family.  The primary goal for FIP is to maintain children safely in their home by promoting healthy family relationships and supportive services. 

In order to support the family in the accomplishment of their goals, FIP staff provides the following services:

• Weekly Family therapy is an opportunity for parents and teens to discuss concerns, issues and make positive changes in their family relationships.
• Individual therapy for the teen or parent as needed.
• School Support: Active and supportive involvement in the school setting.
• Social Recreational Monies:  Every FIP family is eligible to receive $20 a month to use for social/recreational activities to help families plan and carry out a monthly family activity to increase the time they spend together outside the home. 
• Crisis intervention & counseling:  The FIP therapists take turns carrying a crisis phone, which is in operation 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  The family is given a Crisis Card which includes the FIP therapist’s office number and the crisis phone number.  The therapist will contact the identified phone number within fifteen minutes of receiving the crisis call.
• Teen Group for Kids:  Kids age 12-14 are involved in a 6 week Teen Group that addresses communication, peer pressure, dealing with feelings, drugs & alcohol, body image, and relationships.  Teens 15 & older are provided independent living information to assist them in planning for their future.
• Mentoring for Kids:  Through the use of adult mentors, it is expected that youth will be less likely to participate in at-risk behaviors by learning positive communication skills, increased self-respect and increased respect for others.  The most important aspect of this program is the opportunity for the youth to form a meaningful relationship with a positive adult role model. 
• Parent support & education:  All parents referred to FIP participate in 6 Parent Education Sessions that address Communication, Common Sense Parenting, Parents in Healthy Families, Children in Healthy Families, Parenting Styles & Tools to Change Your Child’s Behavior.  Other parent support is also available to assist parents with budgeting, chores, home management, etc.
• Transportation to and from group sessions and social recreational activities as needed.

The program is available to all families in Kent County who are requesting services or have been referred for services by the Child Protective Services Department at Kent County Department of Human Services.

Cost: The service is free to Kent County residents in need of assistance. All referrals must be made to the agency through the Kent County Department of Human Services.